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Jul 30, 2013 at 6:19 PM

Just like the youthful demo it is targeting, The CW is still growing."The parent companies have been very happy with how The CW has performed," network president Mark Pedowitz said at the Television Critics Association's fall previews ...

Just like the youthful demo it is targeting, The CW is still growing."The parent companies have been very happy with how The CW has performed," network president Mark Pedowitz said at the Television Critics Association's fall previews on Tuesday. He added that online viewership has grown by 20 percent, and the on-air ratings and household numbers continue to increase. Press Tour: Get all The CW fall scoopFor the new season, the CW appears committed to mixing risks - such as taking a stab at the historical costume genre with the new drama Reign - with tried-and-true programming (spin-offs of The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural). Check out details of The CW's plans for the upcoming season: Supernatural spin-off: "It's planned to be a planted spin-off," Pedowitz said. "There will be hunters, there will be monsters." None of the existing Supernatural stars are expected to join the spin-off, but there may be a stronger female presence. "These shows are based a certain way," he added. "It depends on how they craft the show." As for the current series, Pedowitz says that the ninth season may not be its last "as long as there are great stories to tell... there's no reason why it can't continue." A new beast: For the new season of Beauty and the Beast, there will be more romance and mythology as well as a makeover. Or is it a makeunder? "We've re-crafted what the beast looks like," Pedowitz said. "Also Vince was captured and Gabe was allegedly killed, so we'll see what happens." Nikita's farewell: The final six episodes will not air as three two-hour movies, but as individual episodes with a possible two-hour finale. A tentative mid-to-late November premiere is planned "to give it the appropriate send-off." The CW developing Arrow spin-off to feature the FlashThe Originals' strength: Pedowitz is confident in The Vampire Diaries spin-off's ability to hold its own against ABC's Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on Tuesdays. "We're pretty comfortable where it's sitting," he said. "We're comfortable that it comes with fan equity. We're pretty confident that the show will sustain itself." Not kidding: With the strength of improv sketch comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which was renewed for a second season, The CW is curious about expanding its comedy programming and is considering developing some sitcoms. Waiting on Wonder Woman: The Amazon pilot is "on pause" currently because "the script isn't quite where we want it," Pedowitz said. "We won't put it on if it doesn't work. It's better to wait and get it right." Miranda and Charlotte on hold: With the casting of young Samantha on The Carrie Diaries, the CW series will focus on that friendship first. "This is the year that Carrie and Samantha first bond," Pedowitz said. As for its move to Fridays, he pointed out that it paired well with America's Next Top Model and that he has "a ton of faith" in the retro series. Press Tour: Get all the CBS fall scoopLet it Reign: The CW delves into new territory with the lush historical drama Reign, based on the life of a young Mary Queen of Scots in order to expand its 18-34 base of female viewers. "It's very difficult to launch a show without a hook," Pedowitz said. The pilot was shot in Ireland, but the production is based in Toronto. Apparently, Lost's Damon Lindelof was interested in Adelaide Kane, who stars as Mary, for one of his movies. Waiting for Batman/Superman: The superheroes won't be coming to the small screen anytime soon. "I always have thoughts about that," Pedowitz said. "The question is if the studio wants to move them back to TV. We have to listen to Warner Bros. on those characters that are iconic to them." (Full disclosure: TVGuide.com is owned by CBS, one of the parent companies of The CW.)What are you looking forward to most?

Related Articles on TVGuide.com
Press Tour: Get all the CBS fall scoopThe CW developing Arrow spin-off to feature the FlashPress Tour: Get all The CW fall scoop

Other Links From TVGuide.com
America's Next Top ModelLostSupernaturalDamon LindelofWhose Line Is It Anyway?The Vampire DiariesNikitaAdelaide KaneThe Carrie DiariesBeauty and the BeastMarvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.The OriginalsReign

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